At the beginning of every summer I attempt to make big plans. Some of these plans usually include being active, doing exciting things, traveling and exploring, and making lifelong memories but what usually ends up being the biggest plans I make is a date with my couch and the television. This summer (I am calling it!) will be different. This summer will be the one that I actually go out (also, this is my first summer with a car so it's basically meant to be) and enjoy life one day at a time rather than staying in the house and being bored out of my mind. Here are some promises I am making to myself for the summer of 2016...
1. To wake up at a reasonable time every day.
Sleeping in is crucial for any college student so I will definitely be catching up on my sleep, but what I will not do is sleep the day away, I will make my best efforts to wake up earlier than noon and begin my day earlier than I normally would.
2. To take up a hobby.
I have not decided which hobby I will take up yet but I promise myself that I will not only engage in something new but I will make my best efforts to practice it throughout the summer and enjoy learning something new.
3. To write.
Writing is one of my favorite things to spend time on and the summer is the perfect time to do so because I have tons of free time. I will write to my heart’s content and enjoy doing so while exploring new techniques in my writing style.
4. To read.
Alike writing, I also am in love with reading. I will read at least twenty books this summer, if not more. I will expand my brain and learn more about the lives of others.
5. To volunteer.
A local food pantry can use my help and if I am not working what else do I really have to be doing? I will spend whatever time I can donating time to my community this summer because it will feel good to do things that have nothing to do with myself. It will feel good to be selfless.
6. To try new things.
I have always been one to stick to what I know and never branch out but this summer I will try new recipes, restaurants, places, foods, books, movies, workouts and ideas and expand upon what I already know.
7. To actually relax.
Anyone who knows me knows that I am usually a ball of nerves. This summer I will do my best to calm down and actually enjoy my surroundings rather than stressing out about everything. I might even attempt yoga, or go to the beach more in an effort to come down from the stresses of being in college.
8. To attempt to be healthier.
I love food and I hate working out, so together that is not really a great combination. This summer will be my opportunity to cook healthier while I am home during the day and take advantage of the nice weather by going for walks outdoors. Without a weight loss goal in mind, I will be healthier this summer just for myself, not for a scale or for anyone else.
9. To log off.
My new Iphone tells me exactly how much time I have spent on every app on my phone within the past week and the results shocked me to say the least. I will make my best efforts to stay off my phone so much and actually live in the moment, especially when I am with family and friends. I am missing precious memories with people in person because I am focusing on my phone screen and this summer that will change.
10. To only associate with people who make me smile.
Along with college comes distancing from old friends and making new ones. This summer will be the time where I choose to only hang out with the people who make me the happiest and stay away from anyone who does not make me totally excited to be with them. Life is just too short to spend time with people who are not the absolute best for our souls.
11. To spend time with family.
I can often get caught up in my boyfriend and friends and sometimes I forget about my family. The summer is the perfect time to go on dates with my parents like old times and spend free time with my grandparents. After all, you only get one family.
12. To fall in love with my boyfriend all over again, every single day.
The summer of 2016 will mark one whole year with my lovely boyfriend. I intend to spend any time with him falling in love with him again and creating priceless memories for us to look back on for years to come.
13. To have some alone time.
Being an only child, I have grown to love being alone. While I will spend plenty of time with my friends and family I plan to get to know myself better every so often.
14. To enjoy the small things.
Driving with the windows down, getting Italian ice, being tan. I promise that I will keep in mind what is important and be excited for even the littlest things that come along with summer. I promise to take a deep breath and truly recognize what is going on around me, even the smallest of details.
